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62 d Congress, 
1st Session. 


SENATE. 


j DoctiMENt 
j No.. 59. 


i- y Oif ^ il. y\ A it. ^ J '■ i'll f < 

" J (/ 

MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. /jji 


MESSAGE 

FKO.M THE 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

TRANSMITTING, 

IN COMPLIANCE WITH JOINT RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS OF FEB¬ 
RUARY 24, 1911, THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO INVES¬ 
TIGATE AND REPORT ON THE ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING 
CERTAIN PERMANENT MANEUVERING GROUNDS, ETC., FOR 
TROOPS OF THE UNITED STATES. 


June 30, 1911.—Read, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to 

be printed with accompanying illustrations. 


To the Sena te and House of Representatives: 

I transmit herewith the report of the commission appointed to 
investigate and report on the advisability of the establishment of 
permanent maneuvering grounds, camp of inspection, rifle and artib 
lery ranges for troops of the United States at or near the ChickamaugR 
and Chattanooga Military Park, and as to certain lands in the State of 
Tennessee proposed to be donated to the United States for said pur^ 
poses, in compliance with the joint resolution of Congress approved 
February 24, 1911. 

Wm. H. Taft. 

The White House, June 30, 1911. 


War Department, 
^Vashington, June 24, 1911. 

Dear Mr. President: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for 
transmission to Congress, in compliance with a joint resolution of 
Congress approved February 24, 1911, the reports of the commission 
appointed to investigate and report on the advisability of the estab¬ 
lishment of permanent maneuvering grounds, camp of inspection, rifle 
and artillery range for troops of the United States at or near the 
Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park, and to likewise report 
as to certain lands in the State of Tennessee proposed to be donated 
to the United States for said purposes. 





. > • 

• .* 









2 


MANEUVEKING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 



The reports contain full information as to the location, approxi¬ 
mate area, probable cost, advantages and disadvantages of the tract of 
land in the vicinity of the Chickaniauga and Chattanooga National 
Military Park; and the location, approximate area, desirability and 
suitability of a tract in the vicinity of Tullahoma, Tenn., which has 
been offered to the United States by the citizens of Tullahoma for the 
establishment thereon of a maneuver camp and target ranges. 

To carry out the policy of bringing together into camps of instruc¬ 
tion regular troops and Organized Militia, it is of the utmost im¬ 
portance to the Government to own suitable sites for such camps. 

The commission reports that it is of opinion that the tract of land 
adjoining Chickamauga Park upon which it was directed to subrnit 
a report is not suitable for a maneuvering camp and rifle and artil¬ 
lery range. The commission, however, found a tract of land aggre¬ 
gating about 34,560 acres adjoining Chickamauga Park, which they 
regard as fairly suitable and which they estimate can be purchased 
for about $1,000,000. The commission does not recommend the 
purchase of either tract near the Chickamauga Park. 

With respect to the land to be donated to the United States, but 
one tract was offered for inspection, that being one of 5,000 acres at 
Tullahoma, Tenn., and this was inspected and reported upon by the 
commission. 

The commission is of opinion that this tract is suitable for a camp 
site and for small-arms target practice, but that it is not sufficient 
in extent for maneuvering purposes or for artillery target practice. 
The adjoining country, however, is fairly well adapted for maneu¬ 
vers and for artillery target practice, and additional land can be 
procured for about $12.50 per acre. If 35,000 acres additional could 
be procured, the Tullahoma site would fulfill all the conditions nec¬ 
essary for a maneuver camp of all arms. 


As land can be procured at Tullahoma for less than half the cost 
of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga site, the acquirement of the Tul¬ 
lahoma site is recommended. 


Very respectfully. 

The President, 

The White House. 


H. L. Stimson, 
Secretary of War. 


BEPORT OF COMMISSION ON ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING MA¬ 
NEUVERING GROUND AND CAMP NEAR CHICKAMAUGA PARK. 

Washington, D. C., June 3, 1911. 

The Adjutant General of the Army, 

Washington, D. C. 

. Sir: 1. The commission appointed by Special Orders, No. 54, 
March 7, 1911, War Department, as amended by paragraph 17, 
Special Order No. 105, War Department, dated May 5, 1911, in 
compliance with public resolution No. 61, approved February 24, 
1911, submits the following report upon the advisability of making, 
establishing, and maintaining a maneuvering ground and camp of 
inspection, rifle and artillery ranges for United States troops near 
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. 



SKETCH MAP 


OF A PORTl OM OF 


- T/O^A L. - - 

'— M e>oi-S. — 


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-WALKER^^° CATOOSA COUNTIES— 

-^^GEORGIA,^^ 

— showingThe Chickamauga Nati ONAL F^RK,- 

- Fort OgLethorpe: and the uand^ - 

PROPOSED For a Brigade Post and Maneuver Ground^. 

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MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


3 


2. The commission met at Chattanooga, Tenn., May 10, 1911. 
Present, all the members. The commission was met by a committee 
of the Chamber of Commerce of the city of Chattanooga, which 
furnished every facility for inspecting the grounds contiguous to the 
Chickamauga and Chattanooga Alilitary Park. The commission 
inspected the proposed grounds on the 11th and 12th of May. The 
grounds inspected are shown on the inclosed map, marked “A.’’ 

3. The body of land previously reported upon by a board of 
Army officers is shown on the map by parallel and cross-hatched 
lines and joins the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park on 
the least. It also extends 1 mile to the north of the present post of 
Fort Oglethorpe. Its boundary is shown by a yellow line. That 
part of the proposed grounds lying north of the road leading from 
Chickamauga Park to Ringgold via Ellis Spring was proposed more 
particularly for a brigade post than for a maneuvering site and rifle 
and artillery range. The commission is of opinion that this part of 
the grounds is not suitable for maneuvers on account of the doubtful 
condition of its water supply. 

4. The part of the proposed tract south of the Chickamauga Park- 
Ellis Spring-Ringgold Road lies between the crest of Taylors Ridge 
on the east and Peavine Creek on the west. It is about 81 miles long 
north and south and 4.^- miles wide east to west. It contains the 
western slope of Taylors Ridge, the valley of the Middle Chickamauga 
Creek, Chickamauga Hills, and the valley to their west as far as Peavine 
Creek. Taylors Ridge can not be crossed by troops at points within 
the proposed tract except at Nickajack Gap, near the extreme south¬ 
east corner of the tract. Chickamauga Hills are broken, rugged, and 
wooded. The underbrush is thick. The only north and south road 
entirely within the tract is the road along ^liddle Chickamauga Creek. 
For troops to move along Peavine Valley would require the con¬ 
struction of roads or passing outside of the maneuvering grounds. 
The width of 4^ miles in a wooded hilly country would seriously limit 
artillery fire. 

5. For the above reasons the commission is of the opinion that the 
tract of land as proposed is not suitable for a maneuvering camp and 
rifle and artillery ranges. 

6. The commission is of opinion that if the boundary of the proposed 
tract be extended beyond Peavine Creek to a line indicated in red on 
map marked A,’’ and all that portion of the proposed tract more than 
one-half mile north of Chickamauga Park-Ellis Spring-Ringgold Road 
be excluded, the tract would be both suitable and desirable and would 
cost no more than the tract proposed. This would make an area 
about 9 miles north and south by 6 miles east and west, or about 34,560 
acres. 

7. The advantages of the tract are— 

{a) Close proximity of the railroad at Ringgold at its northeast 
corner and at Rock Spring at its southwest corner, (b) It would be 
at a railroad center (Chattanooga) near the middle of the territory 
where the troops to be mobilized are located. (See table attached 
marked (c) It would be of sufficient extent for the use of all 

the troops in tins section of the country, (d) It affords good camp 
sites, {e) The climate, water supply from numerous springs, and 
other conditions apt to affect the health of troops are excellent. (See 


4 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


report on sanitary conditions marked (/) Fair interior com¬ 

munications that could be easily improved, {g) Good exterior 
communications. (Ji) Good sites for rifle • and artillery ranges, 
(i) It is large enough and varied enough to afford facilities for work¬ 
ing out the different military problems in maneuvers. (Jc) The 
Government already possesses many miles of excellent roads in and 
around Chickamauga Park as well as some 7,000 acres in the park 
itself which could be utilized in connection with this tract. 

8. The disadvantages of the tract are— 

{a) The country is somewhat more broken up and hilly,.especially 
in the north central part, than is desirable for maneuver grounds. 
(h) It is largely covered with woods with thick underbrush, entailing 
additional cost for clearing, (c) The surface water, the streams, and 
that from shallow wells is liable to and indeed may be contaminated. 
This would limit the water supply to the many excellent springs. 

9. The commission is of the opinion, based upon prices as given in 
options formerly taken and upon personal inquiries made by its 
members, that the cost of the land as proposed by it will be about 
$1,000,000. The estimated price is belieA^ed to be considerably more 
than the actual value of the land for agricultural purposes, but it is 
not believed that it could be obtained for less either by private pur¬ 
chase or by condemnation. Attention is called to the fact that, 
though the initial cost of the proposed tract is large, a smaller area 
would not be sufficient, and therefore the purchase of a smaller tract 
would be inadvisable from an economic point of view, and is not recom¬ 
mended. Attention is further invited that the A^alue of this land will 
probably increase, and if purchase is deferred the cost will be greater 
than the above estimate. 

10. The commission is of the opinion that it is very desirable to 
procure suitable sites for maneuvers and for rifle and artillery ranges 
at some point centrally located with reference to the home stations 
of the militia of the States named in section 2 of the public resolution 
No. 61, approved February 24, 1911. 

Jos. Garrard, 

Colonel, Fifteenth Cavalry, President. 

W. C. Langfitt, 

Lieutenant Colonel, Corps of Engineers, Member. 

B. F. Cheatham, 

Major and Quartermaster, Member. 

Frank. C. Baker, 

Medical Corps, Member. 

E. Wittenmyer, 

Major, Twenty-seventh Infantry, Recorder. 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE 


5 


Appendix B. 

STATEMENT GIVING THE APPROXIMATE COST OF MOBILIZING THE MILITIA OF THE STATES 
OF KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA, SOUTH 
CAROLINA, AND NORTH CAROLINA AT THE THREE DIFFERENT POINTS OF TULLAHOMA, 
CHATTANOOGA, AND ATLANTA, SHOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT OF TRANS¬ 
PORTATION IN SELECTING MANEUVER SITES. 

[This cost of transportation is in the nature of an annual charge and occurs whenever troops are mobilized 

and in proportion to the number so mobilized.] 

The cost of transportation consists of two parts—the cost of the fare of the individuals 
and the cost of the freight on the animals, wagons, tentage, equipment, and supplies. 

For a mobilization the cost of the second part is 36 per cent of the cost of the fare 
of the individuals. 

To mobilize all of the militia in the several States named at Tullahoma would be 
the equivalent of moving one man 6,954,630 miles, and at 2 cents a mile the cost 
would be $139,092.60. To return them to their home stations would cost the same, 
making a total of $278,185.20. Add to this 36 per cent for freight, etc., would bring 
the total cost up to $378,331.87. 

To mobilize the same troops at Chattanooga and return them to their home stations 
the total cost would be $319,308.42, a difference of $59,023.45. 

To mobilize them at Atlanta and return them to their home stations would cost 
$274,394.14, a difference between Atlanta and Tullahoma of $103,937.73, and between 
Atlanta and Chattanooga of $44,914.28. 

TO CHATTANOOGA, TENN. 


Florida: 

Jacksonville... 

Live Oak. 

Apalachicola... 

Tampa. 

Key West. 

Gainesville.... 

Kentucky: 

hitesburg_ 

Frankfort. 

Beattyville.... 
Bowling Green 
Madisonville... 

Henderson. 

Louisville. 

Mississippi: 

Laurel. 

Meridian. 

Mflfcon.. 

Brookhaven... 

Natchez. 

Yazoo City.... 

Macon. 

Vicksburg. 

South Carolina: 

Greenville. 

Yorkville. 

Liberty Hill... 

Columbia. 

Orangeburg.... 

Sumter. 

Charleston. 

Georgetown... 
Columbia. 

Tennessee: 

Clarksville. 

Memphis. 

Nashville. 

Chattanooga... 

Knoxville. 

Bristol. 

Chattanooga... 


I 

i 

I 


Number of 
troops. 

Distance. 

Total 

miles. 


Miles. 


2.50 

502 

125, .500 

250 

439 

109,750 

2.50 

547 

136,750 

2.50 

714 

178,500 

2.50 

1,026 

256,.500 

250 

505 

126,250 

1,500 



2.50 

264 

66,000 

2.50 

2X5 

71,250 

250 

328 

82,000 

2.50 

224 

56,000 

250 

259 

64,750 

2.50 

297 

74,250 

500 

265 

132,500 

2,000 



2.50 

351 

87,7.50 

2.50 

295 

73,750 

250 

319 

79,750 

2.50 

445 

111,250 

2.50 

489 

122,2.50 

2.50 

436 

109,000 

CO 

319 

19,140 

100 

435 

43,500 

1,660 



250 

299 

74,750 

2.50 

385 

96,250 

2.50 

447 

111,7.50 

250 

391 

97,750 

2.50 

392 

98,000 

250 

437 

109,250 

2.50 

447 

111,7.50 

2.50 

.512 

128,000 

2.50 

391 

97,750 

2,250 



2.50 

207 

51,750 

250 

310 

77,500 

2.50 

151 

37,750 

2.50 



2.50 

111 

27,750 

250 

242 

60,500 

60 


. 

1,560 




































































6 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE 


Georgia: 

Atlanta. 

Savannah.... 

Macon. 

Columbus.... 
Atlanta. 

Alabama: 

Montgomery. 

Birmingham 

Troy. 

Anniston.... 

North Carolina: 

Shelby. 

Washington. 
Reidsville... 


Total 


TO CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—Continued. 

1 


Number of 
. troops. 

Distance. 

Total 

miles. 



Miles. 


1,050 


138 

144,900 

900 


432 

388,800 

800 


241 

192,800 

250 


242 

60,500 

100 

3,100 

138 

13,800 

1,150 


239 

274,850 

100 


143 

14.300 

800 


290 

232,000 

800 

2,850 

143 

114,400 

800 


336 

268,800 

800 


618 

494,400 

800 

2,400 

454 

363,200 


17,320 


5,869,640 


TO ATLANTA, GA. 


Florida: 

Jacksonville. 

250 


351 

87,750 

Live Oak. 

250 


301 

75; 250 
102,250 
' 140,750 

Apalachicola. 

250 


409 

Tampa. 

250 


563 

Kev West. 

250 


875 

218;750 
91,750 

Gainesville. 

250 


367 

Kentucky: 

Whitesburg. 

250 

1,500 

350 

87,500 

Frankfort. 

250 


439 

109;750 
106,750 

Beattvville. 

250 


427 

Bowling Green. 

250 


362 

90,500 
99,250 
108.750 

Madisohville. 

250 


397 

Henderson. 

250 


435 

Louisville. 

500 


468 

234,000 

98.750 

79.750 

85.750 
117,750 

Mississippi: 

Laurel. 

250 

2,000 

375 

Meridian. 

250 


319 

Macon. 

250 


. 343 

Brookhaven. 

250 


469 

' Natchez. 

250 


513 

128;250 

Yazoo City. 

250 


460 

115;000 

20,580 
45,900 

Macon.... 

60 


343 

Vicksburg. 

100 


459 

South Carolina: 

Greenville. 

250 

1,660 

161 

40,250 

61,750 

Yorkville.'. 

250 


247 

Libertv Hill. 

250 


309 

77;250 

63.250 

63.500 
74,750 

77.250 

93.500 

Columbia. 

250 


253 

Orangeburg. 

250 


254 

Sumter... ."^.. 

250 


299 

Charleston. 

250 


309 

Georgetown. 

250 


374 

Columbia... 

250 


253 

63.250 

86.250 
104,500 

72.250 
34,500 

49.250 
82,000 

8,280 

Tennessee: 

Clarksville. 

250 

2,250 

345 

Memphis. 

250 


418 

Nashville. 

250 


289 

Chattanooga. 

250 


138 

Knoxville r. 

250 


197 

Bristol. 

250 


328 

Chattanooga. 

60 


138 

Georgia: 

Atlanta. 

1,150 

1,560 

Savannah. 

'900 


294 

264,600 

71.200 
29,750 

201,250 
16,700 
162,400 

83.200 

Macon. 

800 


89 

Columbus. 

250 


119 

175 

Alabama: 

Montgomery. 

1,150 

3,100 

Birmingham. 

100 


167 

Troy...I. 

800 


• 203 

Anniston. 

800 


104 


2,850 








































































































MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE 


7 


TO ATLANTA, GA.—Continued. 



Number of 
troops. 

Distance. 

Total 

miles. 

North Carolina: 

Shelby. 

800 

800 

800 

2,400 

Miles. 

234 

529 

385 

187.200 

423.200 
308,000 

5,044,010 

Washington. 

Reidsvifle. 

Total. 





TO TULLAIIOMA, TENN. 


Florida: 

Jacksonville... 

Live Oak. 

Apalachicola.., 

Tainpa. 

Key West. 

Gainesville.... 

Kentucky: 

Whitesburg... 

Frankfort. 

Ileatfyville.... 
Bowling Green 
Madisonville.. 
Henderson.... 
Louisville. 

M ississippi: 

Laurel. 

Meridian. 

Macon. 

Brookhaven... 

Natchez. 

Yazoo City.... 

Macon. 

Vicksburg. 

South Carolina: 

Greenville. 

Yorkville. 

Liberty Hill... 

Columbia. 

Orangeburg... 

Sumter. 

Charleston.... 
Georgetown... 
Columbia. 

Tennessee: 

Clarksville.... 

Memphis. 

Nashville. 

Chattanooga... 

Knoxville. 

Bristol. 

Chattanooga... 

Georgia: 

Atlanta. 

Savarmah. 

Macon. 

Columbus. 

Alabama: 

Montgomery.. 
Birmingham.. 

Troy. 

Anniston. 

North Carolina: 

Shelby. 

Washington... 
Reidsville. 


250 

i 

584 

146,000 

250 

521 

130,250 

250 

629 

157,250 

250 

796 , 

199,000 

250 

1,108 

277,000 

250 

- 1,500 

587 

146,750 

250 

346 

86,508 

250 

311 

77,750 

250 

344 , 

86,000 

250 

142 ' 

35,500 

250 

177 

44,250 

250 

215 

53,750 
91,500 

500 

- 2,000 

183 

j 

250 

433 ! 

108,250 

250 

377 1 

94,250 

250 

401 1 

100,250 

250 ! 

527 I 

131.750 

250 

571 1 

142,750 

250 

518 

129,500 

60 

401 

24,060 

100 

- 1,660 

517 

51,700 

250 

381 

95,250 

250 

467 

116,750 

250 

529 

132,250 

250 

473 

118,250 

250 

474 

118,500 

250 

519 

129,750 

250 

529 

132,250 

250 

594 

148,500 

250 

2,250 

473 

118,250 

250 

125 

31,250 

250 

321 

80,250 

250 

69 

17,250 

20,500 

250 

82 

250 

193 

48,250 

250 

324 

81,000 

60 

1,560 

82 

1 

4,920 

1 

1,150 

! 220 

1 253,000 

900 

514 

462,600 

800 

323 

258,400 

250 

3,100 

324 

81,000 

1 

1 

1,150 

321 

369,150 

100 

225 

22,500 

800 

372 

1 297,600 

800 

2,850 

225 

1 180,000 

1 

j 

800 

418 

1 . 334,400 

800 

700 

1 560,000 

800 

2,400 

17,320 

536 

428,800 

6 , 954,630 

1 


[Distances given by Paymaster General computed over oflicial route.] 

































































































8 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


Appendix C. 

SANITARY CONDITIONS CHICKAMAUOA PARK, GA, 

Vital statistics of this section are not obtainable. The population of Catoosa County, 
in which the greater part of the area under consideration lies, is 7,184, its area com¬ 
prising about 109,000 acres, giving approximately 0.066 to each acre. 

It is not considered worth while to discuss the features which affected the concen¬ 
tration camp in this section during 1898, but for the purpose of arriving at some con¬ 
clusion in regard to sanitary conditions as they exist at present the reports from the 
maneuver camps at Chickamauga Park and at the post of Fort Oglethorpe during the 
years 1906, 1908, and 1910 are reviewed: 

Admission rates per 1,000, averaged for 12 months. 


MANEUVER CAMPS. 



1910 

1908 

1906 

Typhoid. 

35 

15 

54 

Dysentery. 

20 

21 

Diarrhea. 

195 

240 

141 

Enteritis. 

105 

30 

72 

Venereal. 

150 

225 

150 

Malaria. 

35 

65 

147 




FORT OGLETHORPE. 


Typhoid.. 
Dysentery 
Diarrhea.. 
Enteritis., 
Venereal.. 
Malaria..., 


5 

4 

15 

15 

15.3 

9 


2 

3 

21 


162 

36 


20 

6 

25 

4 

340 

70 


N. B.—Averaging for 12 months gives nearly four times the rate given when averaging for the tliree- 
month period during which the maneuvers were conducted. 


The rates for the whole Army for admission for typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea, enter¬ 
itis, venereal diseases, and malaria are here inserted for purposes of comparison: 



1910 

1908 

Typhoid. 

3,03 
1.93 
49.62 
152.12 
20. 29 

3. 87 
7. 34 
53.27 
194.13 
46. 33 

Dysentery. 

Diarrhea and enteritis. 

Venereal. 

Malarial fevers. 



Comparison of the admission rates of the various maneuver camps in the United 
States during the season of 1910 show as follows: 

Admissions for all causes, per 1,000, averaged for 12 months. 


Chickamauga Park. 1, 245. 00 

Gettysburg. 902. 91 

Atascedero. 846. 99 

Pine Camp. 525. 28 


Typhoid fever has been a common disorder in this vicinity during the past 10 years 
at least, and during the maneuver period of 1910 out of 12 cases occurring in maneu¬ 
ver camps 7 occurred at this point, although 5 of these were probably contracted 
elsewhere. It is impossible to determine the number of State troops which developed 
the disease after their return to their homes, and among the regular troops it was also 
impossible to determine the number which appeared after the maneuvers were 
completed. 

Comparison of the admission rates at Fort Oglethorpe and at other posts in the 
United States is also of value and shows that in the year 1907 the admission rate 
and the rate of noneffectives was higher at this post than at any other of the conti- 





























































MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


9 


Tiental stations occupied by our troops. In 1908 marked improvement was shown 
in conditions and in 1909 the noneffective rate was third from the lowest in the Army. 

Climate .—The climate of this locality during the maneuver months of July, August, 
and September is very uniform. There is practically no rain and the temperature 
ranges from a maximum of 105 to a minimum of 70. 

Mosquitoes are not numerous, and it is a comparatively simple matter to do away 
with most of the breeding places found on the area. Flies, however, are a source 
<yi great annoyance and, in time of epidemics, of danger, and apparently breed even 
in the absence of manure. 

Camp sites .—Only one point on the proposed reservation was found which would 
be suitable for the encampment of more than an entire brigade recruited to war 
strength. There are numerous places where regiments or even brigades might camp, 
and these all within access of water for both troops and animals, with excellent drain¬ 
age, and with streams near by suitable for th-e carrying off of the effluent of septic 
tanks, if such should be installed. The whole area is drained by three streams— 
West Chickaniauga Creek, Pea Vine Creek, and Middle Chickamauga Creek—which 
flow through valleys of the same name, lying parallel to one another in a direction of 
about north 15° E. 

Water supply .—The problem of water supply is one which requires very careful 
consideration. The geological strata of this locality, which are entirely sedimentary 
in character, were originally flat, but by compression three high ridges, Pea Vine, 
Middle Chattanooga Limestone, and Taylor, have been thrown up. The erosion of 
the soft Chattanooga limestone, which forms a layer approximately 1,110 feet in 
thickness over most of this section, has bared the harder Knoxville dolomite and 
Chanasauga shale, and has transformed the original hills into the valleys spoken of 
above. The strata are all full of fissures, especially the limestone, and numerous 
^‘sinks’’ where these have caved in appear in the area. These fissures form channels 
through Avhich the deep layer of the surface water flows continuously, and are a source 
of danger to those using the water, as they give easy access of any surface pollution 
to the waters below. In fact, wells bored for the purpose of supplying the post of 
Fort Oglethorpe, even after reaching a depth of 2,000 feet and cased for over three- 
quarters of their extent, were shown to be contaminated. The irregularity of the 
rocky floor gives rise to great uncertainty as to the location of the underground supply. 
In places water may be obtained in ample quantity before the limestone has been 
passed, while other wells reaching a depth of 2,000 feet may be dry. In fact, there 
is no true water-bearing stratum in this region for the deep underground waters. 

Water is obtained from the running streams, of which mention has been made; from 
shallow wells, dug from 15 to 30 feet in the limestone; from deep wells, bored or driven 
to a depth of from 1 to 2,400 feet; and from certain free-floAving springs, all of which 
have their source at outcroppings of the Chanasauga Shale, their supply being, in all 
probability, from underground streams lying on this stratum. 

The streams are all subject to great variation in flow. Any one of the three main 
streams gives sufficient supply for a full division of troops, but they are all grossly 
polluted and their use would entail the establishment of settling and filtration tanks 
and the water would need careful sterilization before use. 

The shallow wells become muddy in rainy weather; their supply is very small, and 
they are subject to pollution, all of those which have been examined having shown 
evidence of such. 

The water from the deep-driven wells is of excellent chemical composition and is 
uniformly clear, but the liability of contamination makes the establishment of a 
sterilization plant a necessity if it is to be used, and, in fact, such a i)lant has been found 
necessary at Fort Oglethorpe. 

The water from the large springs is by far the safest source of supply for large bodies 
of troops. The largest of these, with their estimated flow, are shown below. Both 
chemical and bacteriological examination shows them to be potable waters of a high 
grade, but the difficulty of placing their output into the different camps is a matter 
requiring consideration on account of the expense entailed. 

Output in gallons 


Name of spring. P^^r minute. 

Abates Spring. 6, 206 

Crawfish Spring. 7,000 

Ellis Spring. 370 

Martin Spring. 216 

Leets Spring. 201 

Poplar Spring. 93 


Frank Baker, 

Major, Medical Corps. 


June 2, 1911. 








10 MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 

KEPORT OF THE CX)MMISSION RELATIVE TO LAND IN VICINITY OF 

TULLAHOMA, TENN. 

Washington^ D. C., June 2 , 1911 . 

The Adjutant General of the Army, 

War Department, Washington, D. 0. 

Sir: 1. The commission appointed by Special Orders, jN^o. 54, 
March 7, 1911, War Department, as amended by paragraph 17, 
Special Orders, No. 105, War Department, May 5, 1911, in compli¬ 
ance with public resolution No. 61, approved February 24, 1911, 
submits the followmg report upon the matters referred to in paragraph 

11 of the resolution: 

2. A tract of land of approximately 5,000 acres, in the vicinity of 
Tullahoma, Tenn., having been offered to the United States by the 
citizens of Tullahoma for the establishment thereon of a maneuver 
camp and target ranges, the commission proceeded to examine the 
same and its vicinity on May 13 and 14, 1911. , This tract lies in the 
Tennessee Barrens, which form a part of the Highland Rim, and is 
shown in the blue print (Appendix E). 

3. The commission arrived at the following conclusions relative 
to the desirability and suitability of the area examined for the pur¬ 
poses cited in the public resolution: 

(a) The site is well adapted for the establishment of a maneuver 
camp and for purposes of drill and troop instruction. The area to 
be donated is too limited for the conduct of maneuvers and an area 
approximating 40,000 acres would be necessary for this purpose. It 
is worthy of note, however, that the territory in this neighborhood 
is very thinly settled and the ground of little value for agricultural 
purposes, thus permitting maneuvering over a large territory not 
owned by the Government with a minimum expenditure for dam¬ 
ages attendant thereon. 

(b) The ground is well suited and of ample size for the establish¬ 
ment of a small-arms rifle range sufficient to accommodate the 
national match. The character of the gropund where it is proposed 
to place the range and profdes of the same appear in appendixes. 

(c) The firing of field artillery on this area is possible, but satis¬ 
factory conditions for a range would not obtain unless sufficient land 
were secured to permit of the firing of field guns from any point on 
the reservation. This would entail the use of a tract of at least 
25,000 acres. The area is heavily wooded and too flat to furnish 
ideal conditions for this purpose. 

4. Appendix I, submitted by the Board of Trade of Tullahoma, 
contains a brief discussion of the conditions likely to affect the health 
of troops encamped there. 

5. The area which appears to be best adapted to all requirements 
is shown in Appendix D as included vdthin the limits outlined in red. 

6. Tliis area possesses the following advantages: 

(a) It is very tliinly settled. 

(b) The land can be obtained at a very reasonable figure (about 
$12.50 per acre), as shown by the option prices indicated on‘Appen¬ 
dix D, all of the higher-priced land having been excluded. 

(c) It is sufficient in extent for all purposes. 

(d) Suitable camp sites are available. 

(e) Water is available and suitable in quantity and quality at both 
the southeast and northw^est corners, wiiich points w^ould be the 



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MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


11 


probable location of the large camps, and good water can be obtained 
at moderate expense by boring through the impermeable slate to 
a depth of approximately 200 feet at any point over the area. 

(/) Spurs from the railroads, both at Tullahoma and Manchester, aro 
very easy of constmction and can be carried directly into the main 
camps. 

ig) The climate, water supply, and other conditions likely to affect 
the health of troops are excellent. 

7. Its disadvantages are— 

(а) Its location is not sufficiently central to the States mentioned 
in the public resolution. (See Appendix B to report respecting land 
near Chickamauga Park.) 

(б) Railroad facilities are confined to a single-track railroad, the 
Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railroad, the main fine of which 
is now being double tracked from Chattanooga to Stevenson, which 
is half way to Tullahoma. 

(c) The country is too generally wooded and too flat for ideal 
maneuver conditions. 

8. The commission is of the opinion that it is advisable to accept 
the proposed tract of 5,000 acres: 

(a) For the purpose of establishing a small-arms rifle range of 
sufficient size to accommodate the national rifle competitions. 

(b) For the purpose of establishing and maintaining camps of 
instruction. 

(c) For the purpose of securing a site for a mobilization camp in 
the event of war. 

(d) For the purpose of establishing maneuver camps in the event 
of maneuvers covering a large territory not ovmed by the Government. 

Appended hereto are the following maps and papers: 

(A) Par. 17, G. O. 105, W. D. 

(C) Soil map of Coffee County, Tenn. (Omitted.) 

(D) Detail map of entire area under discussion, showing outline of 
area proposed for maneuver grounds. 

(E) Contour map of the 5,000-acre tract proposed for donation. 

(F) Contour map of the proposed target range. 

of tracts to be donated.l (Omitted.) 

(H) Profiles of rifle range. j ^ ^ 

(I) Brief of reasons for proposing tract submitted by the Board of 
Trade, Tullahoma, Tenn. 

(J) Discussion of sanitary conditions by Maj. Frank C. Baker, 
Medical Corps. 

(K) Tables showing cost of transportation. (See Appendix B to 
report respecting land near Chickamauga Park.) 

Joseph Garrard, 

Colonel 15th Cavalry^ President. 

W. C. Langfitt, 

Lieutenant Colonel, Corps of Engineers, Member. 

B. F. Cheatham, 

Major and Quartermaster, Member, 

Frank C. Baker, 

Medical Corps, Member, 

E. WlTTENMYER, 

Major, 27th Infantry, Recorder, 



12 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


Appendix A.—^Tullahoma. 


War Department, 

Washington, May 5, 1911. 

Special Orders, No. 105. 


[Extracts.] 


******* 

17. By direction of the President, Colonel Joseph Garrard, 15th Cavalry; Major 
Prank C. Baker, Medical Corps; and Major Edmund Wittenmyer, 27th Infantry, are 
detailed as members of the commission appointed in Special Orders, No. 54, March 
7, 1911, War Department, to investigate and report upon the question of establishing 
and maintaining a maneuvering ground and camp of inspection, rifle and artillery 
ranges near the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park, and for other purposes, 
vice Colonel Eli D. Hoyle, Field Artillery; Major Edward N. Jones, jr., 17th Infantry; 
and Captain William K. Bartlett, Medical Corps, hereby relieved. 

The members of the commission as now constituted, consisting of Colonel Joseph 
Garrard, 15th Cavalry; Lieutenant Colonel William C. Langfitt, Corps of Engineers; 
Major B. Frank Cheatham, quartermaster; Major Frank C. Baker, Medical Corps; 
and Major Edmund Wittenmyer, 27th Infantry, will meet at Chattanooga, Tennessee, 
on May 10, 1911, and carry out the provisions of the order cited. 

******* 


By order of the Secretary of War. 


Official: 

Henry P. McCain, Adjutant General. 


Leonard Wood, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 


Appendix I.—Tullahoma. 

Col. Joseph Garrard, Lieut. Col. William C. Langfitt, Maj. B. Frank Cheat¬ 
ham, Maj. Edmund Wittenmyer, Maj. Frank C. Baker, 

Members of Special Army Commission. 

Gentlemen: We desire to hand you herewith a brief presenting the reasons offered 
by the citizens of Coffee and Franklin Counties and of Tullahoma for the location of 
the Government maneuver grounds near Tullahoma. 

You will also find submitted a map of 5,000 acres that is offered, showing topog¬ 
raphy, location of lands as in reference to Tullahoma, to railroad facilities, etc. While 
public roads are shown, same can and wdll be closed. 

A second map, showing more of the surrounding lands, location of Cherry Springs, 
creeks, and Elk River. 

The third map, a recently issued Government soil map of Coffee County. 

A copy of The Highlands booklet, containing a number of water views, Ovoca, 
the Knights of Pythias enterjirise, analysis of the Hurricane Springs sulphur water, 
and a prospectus of The Highlands resort. 

Also record showing normal monthly, seasonal, and annual temperature and pre¬ 
cipitation at Tullahoma. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Tullahoma Board of Trade, 

T. D. Lawson, President. 

Jno. W. Huston, Secretary. 


Tullahoma’s Presentation of its Advantages and Invitation for the Loca¬ 
tion OF THE Government Maneuver Grounds. 

TULLAHOMA. 

In Tullahoma public spirit and civic pride go hand in hand, the one the fruition 
of a self-made town, the other an appreciative response to envirofiment; for Tulla¬ 
homa, an Indian name, “The land of golden flowers,” must have applied to the 
whole of the terrace or plateau (20 miles wide and 100 miles in length) of the Cum¬ 
berland Mountains, which extends from McMinnville, on the east, to the ridge near 
Fayetteville on the west, and so christened when ablaze with the golden colorings of 
an Indian summer. 



MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


13 


The site and plan of this beautiful town show the founders to have been men wise 
in their generation, occupying, as it does, the vantage point of this terrace, which ia 
the highest altitude by 97 feet of any station on the main line of the Nashville & 
Chattanooga Railroad. The land is slightly rolling for 2 miles northward, when it 
drops off rapidly several hundred feet through hills and valleys to the limestone 
basin of Duck River; for 7 miles southward rolling and undulating to the banks of 
the Elk, and the town itself being 57 feet above the bed of a crystal stream, which 
flows through its western boundary, forming an unexcelled natural drainage. With 
broad streets lined with beautiful maples, blue ash, and willow oaks, and lovely 
homes that denote much indi^dduality, it is now a place of great attractiveness, and 
i the country about Tullahoma is found even more attractive and beautiful. The 
plateau is noted for its pure freestone water, delightful mountain breeze, and the 
equable clirnate and exhilarating atmosphere of a high altitude. Tullahoma is the 
center of a circle of 10 miles radius that contains a greater variety of medicinal waters 
than any other locality now known, red, white, yellow, and black sulphur, chaly¬ 
beate, alum, soda, and mixed waters. 

While presenting these natural surroundings for the location of Government ma¬ 
neuver grounds, yet the people themselves, by desiring to assist substantially, show 
to the Government a loyal community, wide awake and in touch with the wonderful 
development now going forward in the South, thus assuring hearty cooperation with 
progressiveness of spirit. 

ACCESSIBILITY. 

Tullahoma is on one of the great highways of the South, the main line of the Nash¬ 
ville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. Tullahoma is also the terminus for the 
McMinnville division, an 80-mile branch, which extends now within 8 miles of the 
Tennessee Central, and within 20 miles of the Cincinnati Southern. The above sys¬ 
tem, the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway, is unexcelled n the South; 
is now being doubled tracked between Nashville and Chattanooga, which will be 
completed in less than five years, and at the present has the splendid service of 2X 
daily passenger trains. 

NEAR CENTER OF THE STATE. 

Tullahoma is to all practical purposes nearly the central portion of Tennessee, being 
only 30 minutes from the exact geographical center as traversed by the above splendid 
railroad system. 

HEALTHFULNESS. 

Tullahoma is the healthiest and the most beautiful town in Tennessee, barring none. 
Without the one it could not be the other, and a review of her school children attests 
to the wholesomeness and health-giving surroundings. 

HIGH ALTITUDE. 

Col. J. B. Killebrew said: “Tullahoma has an elevation of 1,070 feet above tide 
water, and is the watershed between Elk and Duck Rivers. It is a most desirable 
location, not more by reasons of its healthfulness and climate than because of the 
excellent yellow sulphur water contiguous to it.” 

WATER SUPPLY. 

Tullahoma’s water supply is obtained from two wells 200 feet deep, bored and cased; 
is of the purest freestone, cold, clear as a crystal, and is used by the photographers and 
druggists for all purposes direct from the hydrant, without filtration. 

NO BACILLUS COLI. 

Dr. Lucius P. Brown, after making chemical analysis and bacteriological examina¬ 
tion of 19 samples in August, 1908 (and the date of these tests should not be over¬ 
looked, for the month of August is most likely to develop and show impurities, if any), 
issued certificate pronouncing it to be a most excellent water and free from bacillus 
coli. Cold and hot tests showed color, white; taste, normal; odor, none. 

(Copy of above analysis; also test made by representative of the Boiler Compound 
Co. will be found attached at back of this folder.) 


14 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


FREEDOM FROM EPIDEMICS. 

Tullahoma is 500 feet above the yellow-fever level, no epidemic of any sort ever 
known, and most often free from malignant and contagious diseases. 

Dr. Atchison, of Nashville, said, in speaking of Tullahoma: “It is the best altitude 
and health resort for the people of the lower country that I know of, because of its splen¬ 
did water, delightful summer breeze, and happy medium of altitude.” 

NO TYPHOID FEVER. 

Dr. James B. Cowan, one of the noted surgeons and physicians of the South, who 
served with distinction on the staff of Gen. Forrest, and whose recent death was a 
great loss to Tullahoma and the State, had been a resident of Tullahoma for more 
than 40 years, having selected this place for his home on account of what he chose to 
term “pure water and the glorious atmosphere,” and stated repeatedly that there 
Was never a local case of typhoid fever in Tullahoma. 

GEN. Bragg’s winter quarters. 

This section was Gen. Bragg’s winter quarters in 1863 and was called “Bragg’s 
Clearing.” Gen. Starnes, the Confederate cavalry leader, was mortally wounded on 
the firing lines, dying a few hours after being brought into the camp hospital. 

The town of Tullahoma is even now partly encircled by earth breastworks. 

SOIL AND TOPOGRAPHY. 

The soil is free from rock, overlying sandstone is porous, and absorbs and_ dries 
rapidly. The surface of the ground is rolling and so lends excellent natural drainage. 

The 5,000 acres embraced in the tender to the Government drains southeast to Elk 
River, northwest to Duck River, southwest to Rock Creek, and northeast to Comptons 
Creek. 

A MERITORIOUS STATEMENT. 

M. R. Campbell, one of Tullahoma’s most prominent manufacturers and well-known 
citizens, who has resided in Tullahoma almost since its foundation, in speaking of the 
many splendid advantages afforded by this section for large encampments and maneu¬ 
vering grounds, among other things said: “Nature seems to have fitted this locality 
for some such purpose; the nights are the loveliest to be found on the continent; the 
evening coolness and the night breezes are proverbial of this altitude; I can recall only 
three nights in 44 years too hot to sleep under a sheet or blanket, and these nights were 
in the same summer; and during this period we have never experienced a severe 
storm, nor have I ever known a house to be disturbed from its foundation. For these 
blessings we are indebted to a kind and beneficent Providence, and to me it would 
seem ideal for the purpose tendered. This locality is also comparatively free from 
mosquitoes and the infinitesimal and detestable gnat. These advantages are not ours 
to bestow—they belong to this altitude and locality; we can not estimate nor value 
them by dollars and cents, but they do become a most valuable asset of the Government 
when maneuvering grounds are established within its borders.” 

CHEAPNESS OF LIVING. 

Wholesome country surroundings and splendid trucking soil makes the cost of living 
at the minimum. The State map recently issued by the railroad commission shows 
that Coffee County excels as a grower of truck crops, strawberries, cabbage, canta¬ 
loupes, potatoes, asparagus, snap beans, peas, beets, spinach, salad, onions, lettuce, 
cucumbers, and sweet corn. The output of country produce, barter, and especially 
chickens and eggs, reaches enormous proportions, and on account of the splendid free 
range near by butter, cream, and milk can be had ready at hand fresh and pure. 
Fuel is abundant and easily had, stove and heater wood from country wagons and the 
factories at any season of the year, and coal and coke from the coal fields near by— 
Sewanee, Bon Air, Ravenscroft, and Clifty—Tullahoma being the outlet of these 
rnines. The farming lands are practically undeveloped and present study for the 
higher agriculturist, and at the same time can be had at a price less than real value. 

LANDS OFFERED. 

The citizens of this section offer for your consideration 5,000 acres of land in one 
solid body, approaching within a mile of the town of Tullahoma, having 2 miles of 
frontage on the main line of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railroad; over 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 15 

4 miles paralleling the branch line of said railroad; also an additional frontage of nearly 
a mile on the Y connecting above main line and branch. 

This body of land is admirably adapted, in our opinion, for the purpose tendered, • 
wooded with only an occasional open held, almost as nature made it, rolling sufficient 
for splendid drainage, the watershed between two rivers and between two creeks, 
and the Cumberland Mountains 18 miles distant. 

, Splendid streams of freestone water underlie this entire section of plateau; water 
can be had at almost any point throughout the entire body of land, either dug wells 
or bored. Three magnihcent springs are within ready pumping distance, southeast, 
southwest, and northeast. These lands are valuable, yet are tendered to the Govern¬ 
ment absolutely free of charge, and will be duly transferred and conveyed upon 
acceptance. 

Additional lands to the extent of several thousand acres can be had at reasonable 
cost, should there at anytime be occasion requiring additional lands, and the citizens 
of this section pledge themselves to stand ready to assist the Government in obtaining 
same at fair valuation. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Tullahoma Board of Trade, 

T. D, Lawson, President. 

Jno. W. Horton, Secretary. 


Analysis of City Water at Tullahoma. 

Dr. Lucius B. Brown, of Nashville, Tenn., after making chemical analysis and 
bacteriological examinations in August, 1908, made the following report: 

BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION. 


Number of bacteria to each cubic centimeter, 280 (an extraordinary freedom from 
same, as an investigation of reports on waters of other cities will show from 5 to 10 
times greater). 

Nineteen samples, taken from common hydrant, were tested for bacillus coli, of 
which none showed its presence. 

The bacteriological examination, in the absence of other evidence, would indicate 
that the water is drinkable water. 

The above sample of water shipped to Dr. Brown August 4, 1908, and certificate 
made August 13, 1908. 


Chemical analysis. 


Chlorin.. 

Albuminoid. 

Free ammonia.. 

Nitrogen existing as nitrates. 

As nitrites. 

Required oxygen.. 

Total solids. 

Of which there is lost on ignition 


Parts per million. 

. 10.78 

.0002 

.0002 

.0002 

. None. 

. 2375 

. 67.000 

. 33.000 


Color, white; turbidity, none; taste, normal; odor, hot and cold tests, none.^ 

The chemical analysis taken in connection with the bacteriological examination 
indicates this to be a most excellent water. 

The above sample of water shipped August 15, 1908, and certificate made August 
15, 1908. 

The following is result obtained by Mr. Bird Archer, a representative of the Boiler 
Compound Co.: 

Grains per 
U. S. gallon. 


Total solids. 6. 996 

Organic and voltanic matter. 3. 307 

Sodium chloride.-. 1-156 

Calcium carbonate. 1. 674 

Calcium sulphate.170 

Magnesium carbonate.689 

Free carbonic acid. 7.090 


















16 


MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEJ^. 


CLIMATE. 

The high altitude of the Highland Rim and its proximity to the mountains have 
quite a modifying influence upon the climatic conditions in the county. The summers 
are long and warm enough to permit the successful growing of a great diversity 
of crops. Even during the hottest weather the nights are delightfully cool. The 
winters are short and generally mild, except for recurring cold snaps. The ther¬ 
mometer sometimes registers below zero. The climatic data given in the table below, 
compiled from records of the Weather Bureau station at Tullahoma, are especially 
applicable to the leveler parts of the county. In the Outer Rim, where the topography 
is very broken, the ridges have at least a small sheltering influence, the effects of the ^ 
cold north winds are less severe, and the growing season is virtually prolonged by the 
warding off of some of the light frosts of spring and fall. As a whole, the climate is 
mild, pleasant, and very healthful. 

Normal monthly, seasonal, and annual temperature and precipitation at Tullahoma. 


Month. 

Temperature. 

Precipitation. 

Mean. 

Absolute 

maximum. 

Absolute 

minimum. 

Mean. 

Total 
amount 
for the 
driest year. 

Total 
amount 
for the wet¬ 
test year. 

Snow, 

average 

depth. 


°F. 

°F. 

“F. 

Inches. 

Inches. 

Inches. 

Inches. 

December. 

39 

69 

- 5 

5.2 

2.5 

7.2 

3.7 

January. 

38 

74 

-14 

5.9 

7.0 

8.4 

3.5 

February. 

40 

72 

-20 

4.6 

1.2 

9.2 

3.4 

Winter. 

39 



15.7 

10.7 

24.8 

10.6 

March. 

49 

81 

0 

6.5 

3.6 

9.8 

1.9 

April. 

57 

87 

22 

4.9 

5.6 

4.7 

Trace. 

May. 

67 

92 

32 

2.9 

1.6 

3.2 

0.0 

Spring. 

58 



14.3 

10.8 

17.7 

1.9 

June. 

73 

97 

40 

4.1 

2.6 

4.6 

0.0 

July. 

76 

100 

41 

4.9 

7.6 

10.6 

0.0 

August. 

75 

98 

48 

3.8 

2.4 

2.3 

0.0 

Summer. 

75 



12.8 

12.6 

17.5 

0.0 

September. 

68 

97 

27 

2.9 

3.3 

2.2 

0.0 

October. 

58 

91 

22 

2.5 

3.9 

2.4 

0.0 

November. 

47 

77 

13 

3.8 

2.6 

2.0 

0.2 

Fall. 

58 



9.2 

9.8 

6. 6 

0.2 

Year. 

57 

100 

-20 

52.0 

43.9 

66.6 

12.7 


The mean annual temperature as shown by the table above is 57° F., the absolute 
maximum 100° F., and the absolute minimum —20° F. July is the hottest and 
January the coldest month in the year. The annual precipitation averages about 52 
inches, but varies from 43.9 to 66.6 inches. In the driest years the precipitation is 
sufficient to produce maximum crops were it evenly distributed, but droughts occur 
occasionally and do much damage, and the same is likewise true when there is too 
much rainfall. The snowfall averages about 12.7 inches a year. 

The average date of the last killing frost in the spring is April 18 and of the first 
in the fall October 16. The growing season is about six months long, or fully a month 
shorter than through the main cotton belt. The shorter season, coupled with the cool 
nights prevailing through the summer months, puts the county practically out of 
the cotton-producing section. Erratic frosts in the spring make some of the fruit 
crops uncertain, especially peaches and pears, which bloom early. 



































































MANEUVERING GROUNDS IN TENNESSEE. 


17 


Appendix J.—Tullahoma. 

SANITARY CONDITIONS AT TULLAHOMA, TENN. 

No vital statistics are available for this district, although it has an enviable repu¬ 
tation as a health resort. , The appearance of the children and adults would lead one 
to believe that this reputation was well founded. 

The population of Coffee County, in which almost the entir.e area examined lies, 
is, exclusive of the towns of Manchester and Tullahoma, 11,G13; its area, 283,000 
acres, giving a population per acre of 0.041. This population is chiefly confined to 
the more fertile districts, and it is not believed that over 100 persons reside on the 
tract examined. 

It is said that there is absolutely no typhoid fever native to this section. Mosqui¬ 
toes are practically absent, and the few pools which might serve for their breeding 
can be very easily cared for. Ground itch and uncinariasis are not found in this 
locality. 

The death rate, taken from the report of the State board of health, was 12.09 per 
thousand for the year 1910. 

The whole area examined is covered by a chirty soil, clay showing in places where 
the land is more fertile. This chirt is quite deep and absorbs the rain water rapidly, 
thus affording a splendid soil on which to establish camps. The surface drainage 
is fairly good, the land draining into the Little Duck and Elk Rivers. Suitable 
camp sites are abundant when surface conditions alone are considered. 

The water supply of this area is mainly from shallow wells ranging from 20 to 40 feet 
in depth, which draw their supply from the surface, water lying in the Walden sand¬ 
stone which overlies the whole territory. In the town of Tullahoma two deep wells 
have been bored to a depth of 200 feet, piercing the sandstone and Bangor limestone 
strata and drawing their supply from the deep layer of the surface water lying on the 
Chattanooga shale, which forms a water-bearing stratum throughout this whole section. 
Included in the area proposed for a target range there is a series of large springs, known 
collectively as Cherry Springs, which yield something over 1,375 gallons of water 

J >er minute. Near Manchester another set of springs form the headwaters of the 
flttle Duck River. There is ample supply here for a large camp, and its waters are 
probably good, although no analyses are obtainable. The town of Manchester is also 
supplied from this source. 

The source of this water is not known, although from its location it is believed to 
come from an outcropping of the Chattanooga shale. The course of the Elk and Little 
Duck Rivers is shown on the appended maps. 

The surface wells mentioned are liable to contamination from seepage, and the supply 
is too varying to form a satisfatory source for use in large camps. The deeper waters 
can be obtained with small expense and practical certainty at any point over the 
whole territory, as the w'ater-bearing stratum is particularly level, and lies at a depth 
varying from 40 to 200 feet. These waters, as shown by chemical and bacteriological 
examination of the water at Tullahoma, are of very exceptional purity, and an ample 
supply can readily be obtained. No analysis of the Cherry and Little Duck Springs 
water was obtainable, but there is little doubt that it is of good character. The waters 
of both the Elk and Little Duck are grossly polluted, and could only be used for bathing 
and for watering cattle. Both of these streams could, however, be used for the dis¬ 
charge of the effluent of septic tanks. 

Frank Baker, 

Major, Medical Corps. 

June 2, 1911. 


108—S. Doc. 59, 62-1-2 


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